U.S. patent application number 13/524394 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for occupant protection device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Noriyoshi Baba, Isamu NAGASAWA, Tetsuya Nakase.
Application Number | 20130001934 13/524394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389838 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130001934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGASAWA; Isamu ; et
al. |
January 3, 2013 |
OCCUPANT PROTECTION DEVICE
Abstract
There is provided an occupant protection device. An airbag
device includes an airbag that is stored in a center pad of a
steering wheel of a vehicle and is expandable toward an occupant
side upon a collision of the vehicle. The center pad is disposed to
have a non-rotating structure independent from the steering wheel.
The airbag includes a first extension portion and a second
extension portion which are disposed at opposing edges of the
airbag in a width direction of the vehicle and are expandable to
extend toward a rear side of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
NAGASAWA; Isamu; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Baba; Noriyoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Nakase;
Tetsuya; (Tokyo, JP) |
Assignee: |
Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
47389838 |
Appl. No.: |
13/524394 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/731 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/203 20130101;
B60R 2021/23161 20130101; B60R 2021/23308 20130101; B60R 21/231
20130101; B60R 21/233 20130101; B60R 2021/23316 20130101; B60R
21/23138 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/731 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/203 20060101
B60R021/203 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2011 |
JP |
2011-146837 |
Claims
1. An occupant protection device comprising: an airbag that is
stored in a center pad of a steering wheel of a vehicle and is
expandable toward an occupant side upon an impact due to a
collision of the vehicle, wherein the center pad is disposed to
have a non-rotating structure independent from the steering wheel;
and wherein the airbag includes an extension portion disposed on at
least one edge of the airbag in a width direction of the vehicle
and expandable to extend toward a rear side of the vehicle.
2. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
airbag further includes at least a head protection portion that
protects a head of the occupant, and a chest protection portion
that protects a chest of the occupant; and wherein the extension
portion is disposed in the head protection portion.
3. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
head protection portion and the chest protection portion are
expandable to have different thicknesses from each other in a
front-rear direction of the vehicle.
4. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
extension portions are disposed at opposing edges of the airbag in
the width direction of the vehicle and are expandable to cover a
head of an occupant.
5. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, wherein the
extension portions are disposed at opposing edges of the airbag in
the width direction of the vehicle and are expandable to cover a
head of an occupant.
6. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, wherein the
extension portions are disposed at opposing edges of the airbag in
the width direction of the vehicle and are expandable to cover a
head of an occupant.
7. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
extension portion is disposed at an outdoor-side edge of the airbag
in the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable between an
occupant and a window of the vehicle.
8. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, wherein the
extension portion is disposed at an outdoor-side edge of the airbag
in the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable between an
occupant and a window of the vehicle.
9. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, wherein the
extension portion is disposed at an outdoor-side edge of the airbag
in the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable between an
occupant and a window of the vehicle.
10. The occupant protection device according to claim wherein the
extension portion is disposed at a cabin-side edge of the airbag in
the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable between an
occupant in a driver seat and an occupant in a passenger seat.
11. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, wherein
the extension portion is disposed at a cabin-side edge of the
airbag in the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable
between an occupant in a driver seat and an occupant in a passenger
seat.
12. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, wherein
the extension portion is disposed at a cabin-side edge of the
airbag in the width direction of the vehicle and is expandable
between an occupant in a driver seat and an occupant in a passenger
seat.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2011-146837 filed on Jun. 30, 2011, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to occupant
protection devices, and particularly relates to an occupant
protection device in which an airbag is stored in a center pad of a
steering wheel.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There is known an occupant protection device in which an
airbag is stored in a folded state in a center pad of a steering
wheel and the airbag expands from the center pad toward an occupant
in response to an impact due to a collision of a vehicle so as to
protect the occupant from the impact.
[0006] The center pad of the steering wheel usually rotates
together with the steering wheel in accordance with driving
operations performed by an occupant. Therefore, the airbag stored
in the center pad is formed in a circular shape so as to be
expandable in the same shape at any steering angle of the steering
wheel. The airbag having a circular shape mainly protects the head
of the occupant.
[0007] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for an
airbag that is stored in a steering wheel and is capable of not
only protecting the head of an occupant but also sufficiently
protecting other parts of the body. In particular, if a seat belt
lies across the chest of an occupant, the seat belt might compress
the chest of the occupant upon a vehicle being subjected to an
impact.
[0008] In view of the foregoing, for example, Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2006-069384 discloses, as
an airbag device capable of protecting not only the head of an
occupant but also other parts of the body, an airbag device for an
automobile in which an airbag is disposed in a center pad having a
non-rotating structure and includes a head protection portion, a
chest protection portion, and an abdomen protection portion.
[0009] According to JP-A No. 2006-069184, there may be a case in
which an occupant is protected from an impact due to a collision of
a vehicle by a portion in the vicinity of a periphery of the
airbag, and there may be another case in which an occupant is
protected by a portion in the vicinity of a center of the airbag,
for example. More specifically, if the collision of the vehicle
that has caused the impact is a front collision, it is highly
likely that the occupant will be protected by the portion in the
vicinity of the center of the airbag.
[0010] On the other hand, if the collision of the vehicle that has
caused the impact is a side collision, it is highly likely that the
occupant will be protected by the portion in the vicinity of the
periphery of the airbag. Therefore, in the case where the occupant
is protected by the portion in the vicinity of the center of the
airbag, the impact value of the impact caused by the collision of
the vehicle can be reduced. However, in the case where the occupant
is protected by the portion in the vicinity of the periphery of the
airbag, it may be difficult to reduce the impact value.
[0011] As can be appreciated, in the case of the airbag device of
JP-A No. 2006-069384, the impact value of an impact exerted on an
occupant may vary depending on the manner of the collision. That
is, in the case of the airbag device of JP-A No. 2006-069384,
although the airbag sufficiently protects the chest and abdomen of
an occupant as described above, the occupant is not always
protected by the portion in the vicinity of the center of the
airbag. Thus the airbag still has room for improvement with regard
to enhancing safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an occupant protection device that makes the impact values
in different types of collision more uniform and thereby provides
improved safety in protecting an occupant from an impact due to a
collision of a vehicle.
[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an occupant protection device including: an airbag that is
stored in a center pad of a steering wheel of a vehicle and is
expandable toward an occupant side upon an impact due to a
collision of the vehicle, wherein the center pad is disposed to
have a non-rotating structure independent from the steering wheel;
and wherein the airbag includes an extension portion disposed on at
least one edge of the airbag in a width direction of the vehicle
and expandable to extend toward a rear side of the vehicle.
[0014] Further, in the occupant, protection device according to the
above aspect of the present invention, the airbag may further
include at least a head protection portion that protects a head of
the occupant, and a chest protection portion that protects a chest
of the occupant; and the extension portion may be disposed in the
head protection portion.
[0015] Further, in the occupant protection device according to the
above aspect of the present invention, the head protection portion
and the chest protection portion may be expandable to have
different thicknesses from each other in a front-rear direction of
the vehicle.
[0016] Further, in the occupant protection device according to the
above aspect of the present invention, the extension portions may
be disposed at opposing edges of the airbag in the width direction
of the vehicle and may be expandable to cover a head of an
occupant.
[0017] Further, in the occupant protection device according to the
above aspect of the present invention, the extension portion may be
disposed at an outdoor-side edge of the airbag in the width
direction of the vehicle and may be expandable between an occupant
and a window of the vehicle.
[0018] Further, the occupant protection device according to the
above aspect of the present invention, the extension portion may be
disposed at a cabin-side edge of the airbag in the width direction
of the vehicle and may be expandable between an occupant in a
driver seat and an occupant in a passenger seat.
[0019] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the
safety in protecting an occupant from an impact due to a collision
of vehicle can be improved by making the impact values In different
types of collision more uniform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cabin of a vehicle to
which an occupant protection device of Embodiment 1 of the present
invention is applied, and more specifically is a perspective view
showing the cabin as viewed from the rear toward the front of the
vehicle.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an airbag of the
occupant protection device in an inflated and expanded state
according to FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied, and more specifically is a side view
showing the airbag of the occupant protection device in the
inflated and expanded state when the vehicle is viewed from one
side in a width direction of the vehicle.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant upon the vehicle being subjected to an
impact according to FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied, and more specifically is a top view
illustrating effects of the airbag produced on the occupant upon
the vehicle being subjected to an impact when the vehicle is viewed
from an upper side in a vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cabin of a vehicle to
which an occupant protection device of Modified Example 1 of
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied, and more
specifically is a perspective view showing an airbag of the
occupant protection device in an inflated and expanded state.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Modified Example 1 of
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied, and more
specifically is a top view illustrating effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant upon the vehicle being subjected to an
impact when the vehicle is viewed from an upper side in a vertical
direction of the vehicle.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a cabin of a vehicle to
which an occupant protection device of Modified Example 2 of
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied, and more
specifically is a perspective view showing an airbag of the
occupant protection device in an inflated and expanded state.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Modified Example 2 of
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied, and more
specifically is a top view illustrating effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant upon the vehicle being subjected to an
impact when the vehicle is viewed from an upper side in a vertical
direction of the vehicle.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a cabin of a vehicle to
which an occupant protection device of Embodiment 2 of the present
invention is applied, and more specifically is a perspective view
showing an airbag of the occupant protection device in an inflated
and expanded state.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Embodiment 2 of the
present invention is applied, and more specifically is a side view
showing the airbag of the occupant protection device in the
inflated and expanded state when the vehicle is viewed from one
side in a width direction of the vehicle.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant upon the vehicle being subjected to an
impact according to FIG. 11.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a cabin of a vehicle to
which an occupant protection device of Embodiment 3 of the present
invention is applied, and more specifically is a perspective view
showing an airbag of the occupant protection device in an inflated
and expanded state.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the cabin of the vehicle
to which the occupant protection device of Embodiment 3 of the
present invention is applied, and more specifically is a side view
showing the airbag of the occupant protection device in the
inflated and expanded state when the vehicle is viewed from one
side in a width direction of the vehicle.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant upon the vehicle being subjected to an
impact according to FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0036] An airbag device (occupant protection device) 10 of
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is stored in a center pad 7
of a steering wheel 3.
[0037] First, a description is given of the steering wheel 3 of a
vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 10 of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a
schematic view showing a cabin 2 of the vehicle 1 to which the
airbag device 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is
applied. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing
the cabin 2 as viewed from the rear toward the front of the vehicle
1.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 3 of this
embodiment includes a ring-shaped rim 4 forming an outer frame of
the steering wheel 3, spokes 6 connecting the rim 4 and a steering
shaft 5, and a center pad 7 provided separately from the steering
shaft 5 and supported so as to have an independent non-rotating
structure.
[0039] That is, the center pad 7 of this embodiment is configured
to have a non-rotating structure that is not involved in steering
operations of the rim 4 performed by an occupant M. The airbag
device 10 is stored inside the center pad 7.
[0040] In a case where the center pad 7 of the steering wheel 3 has
a rotating structure, an airbag 11 stored in the center pad 7 is
formed in a circular shape so as to be operable at any steering
angle of the steering wheel 3.
[0041] Meanwhile, as described above, the steering wheel 3 of this
embodiment is configured such that the center pad 7 has a
non-rotating structure. Therefore, the shape of the airbag 11
stored in the center pad 7 can be set in advance. It should be
noted that, as described above, the center pad 7 of the steering
wheel 3 of this embodiment is disposed in the steering wheel 3 so
as to have a non-rotating structure. However, the structure of the
center pad 7 is not limited to a non-rotating structure and may
have any structure that brings the center pad 7 back to a neutral
position upon expansion of the airbag 11.
[0042] Next, a description is given of the airbag 11 of the airbag
device 10 of this embodiment with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.
2 is a perspective view showing the airbag 11 of the airbag device
10 in an inflated and expanded state according to FIG. 1.
[0043] Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the cabin 2 of
the vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 10 of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 3 is a side
view showing the airbag 11 of the airbag device 10 in the inflated
and expanded state when the cabin 2 is viewed from one side in a
width direction of the vehicle 1.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the airbag 11 of this
embodiment includes a first chamber (head protection chamber) 12
that protects the head of the occupant M, and a second chamber
(chest protection chamber) 13 that protects the chest of the
occupant M.
[0045] Further, although the airbag 11 includes the first chamber
12 an the second chamber 13 as mentioned above, the space of the
first chamber 12 and the space of the second chamber 13 are
integrated with and in communication with each other.
[0046] It should be noted that, although the airbag 11 of this
embodiment has a configuration in which the space of the first
chamber 12 and the space of the second chamber 13 are integrated
with and in communication with each other, the configuration of the
airbag 11 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the
airbag 11 may have a pressure valve at a communication portion
between the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 13.
[0047] In this case, the pressure valve is formed of fabric that is
thinner than base fabric of the airbag 11. Thus, when a gas is
supplied from an inflator to the airbag 11 and a pressure of one of
the chambers becomes high, the pressure valve tears. Thus, the gas
supplied from the inflator is then supplied from one of the
chambers to the other one of the chambers through the pressure
valve.
[0048] In this embodiment, the first chamber 12 has a semicircular
shape when the first chamber 12 is viewed from the rear toward the
front in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The first chamber
12 has a width in the vehicle width direction that is substantially
the same as a width of a seat head of a seat 8.
[0049] Further, the first chamber 12 has an elliptical shape when
viewed from the vehicle width direction. That is, the first chamber
12 is not formed in a shape having corners, much as a rectangular
shape, but is formed in an elliptical shape, and serves as a
cushion so as to reduce the impact value.
[0050] Further, similar to the first chamber 12, the second chamber
13 is formed in a semicircular shape when the second chamber 13 is
viewed from the rear toward the front in the vehicle front-rear
direction. The second chamber 13 has a width in the vehicle width
direction that is substantially the same as the width of a seat
back of the seat 8.
[0051] Further, the second chamber 13 has an elliptical shape when
viewed from the vehicle width direction. That is, the second
chamber 13 is not formed in a shape having corners, such as a
rectangular shape, but is formed in an elliptical shape, and serves
as a cushion so as to reduce the impact
[0052] As mentioned above, the first chamber 12 and the second
chamber 13 are formed in an elliptical shape when the first chamber
12 and the second chamber 13 viewed from the vehicle width
direction. However, the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 13
have different projecting lengths toward the occupant M.
[0053] More specifically, the second chamber 13 has a greater
projecting length toward the occupant M than the first chamber 12.
That is, the second chamber 13 for protecting the chest of the
occupant M has a greater projecting length toward the occupant M
than the first chamber 12 for protecting the head of the occupant
M.
[0054] Thus, since the second chamber 13 for protecting the chest
of the occupant M has a greater projecting length toward the
occupant M than the first chamber 12 for protecting the head of the
occupant M, it is possible protect the chest of the occupant M at
an earlier time at the time of expansion of the airbag 11.
[0055] Further, as mentioned above, since the second chamber 13 of
this embodiment has substantially the same width as the seat back
of the seat 8, it is possible to restrain the entire chest of the
occupant M with a surface of the second chamber 13 when the second
chamber 13 is expanded.
[0056] In this way, the airbag 11 of this embodiment can protect
the chest of the occupant M at an earlier time than the head of the
occupant M at the time of expansion of the airbag 11, and can
reduce compression of the chest by uniformly restraining the entire
chest of the occupant M. Therefore, safety when the vehicle 1 is
subjected to an impact can be improved.
[0057] In this embodiment, a first extension portion 14a and a
second extension portion 14b that are inflatable and expandable to
extend toward a rear side of the vehicle 1 are formed at the
opposing edges of the first chamber 12 of the airbag 11 in the
vehicle width direction.
[0058] The first extension portion 14a and the second extension
portion 14b are formed in the first chamber 12 for protecting the
head of the occupant M as described above, and are inflatable and
expandable to cover the sides of the head of the occupant M when
the first extension portion 14a and the second extension portion
14b are viewed from the vehicle width direction.
[0059] Thus, since the first extension portion 14a and the second
extension portion 14b of this embodiment are inflatable and
expandable to cover the sides of the head of the occupant M, it is
possible to more reliably protect the head of the occupant M.
[0060] Therefore, even if the head of the occupant M is shifted in
the vehicle width direction upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to
an impact, it is possible to more reliably protect the head of the
occupant M. Thus, safety when the vehicle 1 is subjected to an
impact can be improved.
[0061] Next, a description is given of effects of the airbag 11 of
the airbag device 10 of this embodiment produced on the occupant M
upon expansion of the airbag 11 with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating effects of the airbag 11
produced on the occupant M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an
impact according to FIG. 3.
[0062] Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the cabin 2 of
the vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 10 of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 5 is a top
view illustrating effects of the airbag 11 produced on the occupant
M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact when the vehicle
1 is viewed from an upper side in a vertical direction of the
vehicle 1.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the airbag 11 of this embodiment
is inflated and expanded with a gas supplied from an inflator (not
shown). Then, since the airbag 11 has the first chamber 12 and the
second chamber 13, the first chamber 12 is inflated and expanded to
protect the head, and the second chamber 13 is inflated and
expanded to protect the chest.
[0064] When the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 13 are
inflated and expanded, an inflated length of the second chamber 13
in the vehicle front-rear direction is greater than an inflated
length of the first chamber 12 in the vehicle front-rear
direction.
[0065] Thus, the airbag 11 of this embodiment protects the chest of
the occupant M with the second chamber 13 first. The expanded and
inflated second chamber 13 has a width in the vehicle width
direction that is substantially the same as the width of the seat
back of the seat 8.
[0066] Therefore, the airbag 11 of this embodiment can protect the
chest of the occupant M with the second chamber 13 first. Further,
since the airbag 11 protects the occupant M with a surface of the
second chamber 13, the airbag 11 can restrain the chest of the
occupant M with the surface of the second chamber 13.
[0067] Accordingly, the airbag 11 of this embodiment can reduce
compression of the chest of the occupant M by a seat belt 9 upon
the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact due to a collision, so
that safety when the vehicle 1 is subjected to an impact can be
improved.
[0068] Further, the first extension portion 14a and the second
extension portion 14b of the airbag 11 of this embodiment are
inflated and expanded to extend rearward in the vehicle front-rear
direction. Then, the inflated and expanded first extension portion
14a and second extension portion 14b of the airbag 11 cover the
sides of the head of the occupant M.
[0069] If the collision of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact
is a front collision, it is highly likely that the head of the
occupant M will be protected by the portion in the vicinity of the
center of the first chamber 12. On the other hand, if the collision
of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact is a side collision, it
is highly likely that the head of the occupant M will be protected
by the portion in the vicinity of the periphery of the first
chamber 12.
[0070] Since the airbag 11 of this embodiment includes the first
extension portion 14a and the second extension portion 14b at the
opposing edges of the first chamber 12 in the vehicle width
direction, even if the collision of the vehicle 1 that has caused
the impact is a side collision, the head of the occupant M can be
protected by the first extension portion 14a and the second
extension portion 14b. This makes it possible to make the impact
values of impacts exerted by the airbag 11 in different types of
collision more uniform.
[0071] As described above, according to the airbag device 10 of
this embodiment, it is possible to make the values of impacts
exerted by the airbag 11 in different types of collision more
uniform, so that the safety in protecting the occupant M from the
Impact due to the collision of the vehicle 1 can be improved.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 1 OF EMBODIMENT 1
[0072] Next, a description is given of Modified Example 1 of
Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. First, a description,
is given of an airbag 21 of an airbag device 20 of this modified
example with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic view
showing a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 20 of
Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is
applied. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing
the airbag 21 of the airbag device 20 in an inflated and expanded
state.
[0073] This airbag device 20 is the same as that of the above
Embodiment 1 except for the shape of the airbag 21 in the inflated
and expanded state. Accordingly, the elements corresponding to
those of the above Embodiment 1 are referred to by the same
reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the airbag 21 of the airbag
device. 20 of this modified example includes a first chamber (head
protection chamber) 22 and a second chamber (chest protection
chamber) 23.
[0075] The airbag 21 further includes, at a cabin-side edge of the
first chamber 22 in the vehicle width direction, an extension
portion (side protection chamber) 24a that is inflatable and
expandable to extend rearward in the vehicle front-rear
direction.
[0076] As mentioned above, this extension portion 24a is disposed
at the cabin-side edge of the first chamber 22 in the vehicle width
direction, and is formed to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction. That is, the extension portion 24a of this
modified example is formed to inflatable and expandable between the
occupant M and an occupant W.
[0077] Since the extension portion 24a is formed to be inflatable
and expandable between the occupant M and the occupant W, the
airbag device 20 of this modified example can prevent the occupant
M from striking the occupant W.
[0078] In this way, since the airbag device 20 of this modified
example prevents the occupant M from striking the occupant W, the
injury value in impact due to collision of the vehicle 1 can be
reduced, so that safety when the vehicle 1 is subjected to an
impact can be improved.
[0079] Next, a description is given of effects of the airbag
produced on the occupant M upon the vehicle 1 to which the airbag
device 20 of this modified example is applied being subjected to an
impact due to a collision with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a
schematic view showing the cabin 2 of the vehicle 1 to which the
airbag device 20 of Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 7 is a top
view illustrating effects of the airbag 21 produced on the occupant
M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact when the vehicle
1 is viewed from an upper side in a vertical direction of the
vehicle 1.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the extension portion 24a of the airbag
21 is inflated and expanded to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction. Then, the inflated and expanded extension
portion 24a covers a side of the head of the occupant M.
[0081] If the collision of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact
is a front collision, it is highly likely that the head of the
occupant M will be protected by the portion in the vicinity of the
center of the first chamber 22. On the other hand, if the collision
of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact is a side collision, it
is highly likely that the head of the occupant M will be protected
by the portion in the vicinity of the periphery of the first
chamber 22.
[0082] Since the airbag 21 of this modified example includes the
extension portion 24a at the cabin-side edge of the first chamber
12 in the vehicle width direction, even if the collision of the
vehicle 1 that has caused the impact is a side collision, it is
possible to prevent the occupant M from striking the occupant
W.
[0083] In this way, since the airbag 21 of the airbag device 20 of
this modified example prevents the occupant M from striking the
occupant W, the impact value in impact on the vehicle 1 can be
reduced, so that safety when the vehicle 1 is subjected to an
impact can be improved.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 2 OF EMBODIMENT 1
[0084] Next, a description is given of Modified Example 2 of
Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. First, description is
given of an airbag 31 of this modified example with reference to
FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1
to which an airbag device 30 of Modified Example 2 of Embodiment 1
of the present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 8 is a
perspective view showing the airbag 31 of the airbag device 30 in
an inflated and expanded state.
[0085] This airbag device 30 is the same as that of the above
Embodiment 1 except for the shape of the airbag 31 in the inflated
and expanded state. Accordingly, the elements corresponding to
those of the above Embodiment 1 are referred to by the same
reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the airbag 31 of the airbag device
30 of this modified example includes a first chamber (head
protection chamber) 32 and a second chamber (chest protection
chamber) 33.
[0087] Further, an extension portion (side protection chamber) 34b
that is inflatable and expandable to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction is formed at an outdoor-side edge of the first
chamber 32 in the vehicle width direction.
[0088] As mentioned above, this extension portion 34b is disposed
at an outdoor-side edge of the first chamber 32 in the vehicle
width direction, and is formed to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction. That is, the extension portion 34b of this
modified example is formed to be inflatable and expandable between
the occupant M and a side door.
[0089] Since the extension portion 34b is formed to be inflatable
and expandable between the occupant M and the side door, the airbag
device 30 of this modified example can prevent the occupant M from
striking the side door M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an
impact due to a collision.
[0090] Further, the airbag 30 of this modified example can prevent
the occupant M from being thrown out of the vehicle 1. That is,
according to the airbag 30 of this modified example, the extension
portion 34b serves as a part of a curtain airbag 35, which makes it
possible to reduce the area of the curtain airbag, 35.
[0091] Thus, the airbag device 30 of this modified example allows a
front pillar storing the curtain airbag 35 (in particular, a front
chamber 35b of the curtain airbag 35) to be thinner, and thereby
allows the vision of the occupant M to be expanded.
[0092] As described above, since the extension portion 34b serves
as a part of the curtain airbag 35, the airbag device 30 of this
modified example allows the vision of the occupant M to be
expanded. Therefore, the safety during driving can be improved.
[0093] Next, a description is given of effects of the airbag 31
produced on the occupant M upon the vehicle 1 to which the airbag
device 30 of this modified example is applied being subjected to an
impact due to a collision with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a
schematic view showing the cabin 2 of the vehicle 1 to which the
airbag device 30 of Modified Example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 9 is a top
view illustrating effects of the airbag 31 produced on the occupant
M, upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact when the vehicle
1 is viewed from an upper side in a vertical direction of the
vehicle 1.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, the extension portion 34b of the airbag
31 is inflated and expanded to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction. Then, the inflated and expanded extension
portion 34b covers a side of the head of the occupant M.
[0095] If the collision of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact
is a front collision, it is highly likely that the bead of the
occupant M will be protected by the portion in the vicinity of the
center of the first chamber 32. On the other hand, if the collision
of the vehicle 1 that has caused the impact is a side collision, it
is highly likely that the head of the occupant M will be protected
by the portion in the vicinity of the periphery of the first
chamber 32.
[0096] Since the airbag. 31 of this modified example includes the
extension portion 34b at the outdoor-side edge of the first chamber
32 in the vehicle width direction, even if the collision of the
vehicle 1 that has caused the impact is a side collision, it is
possible to prevent the occupant M from striking the side door.
[0097] In this way, since the airbag device 30 of this modified
example prevents the occupant M from striking the side door, it is
possible to prevent the occupant M from being thrown out of the
vehicle 1.
[0098] That is, according to the airbag device 30 of this modified
embodiment, since the extension portion 34b can serve as a part of
the curtain airbag 35, it is possible to reduce the area of the
curtain airbag 35.
[0099] Thus, the airbag device 30 of this modified example allows
the front pillar storing the curtain airbag 35 (in particular, the
front chamber 35b of the curtain airbag 35) to be thinner, and
thereby allows the vision of the occupant M to be expanded.
[0100] As described above, since the extension portion 34b serves
as a part of the curtain airbag 35, the airbag device 30 of this
modified example allows the vision of the occupant M to be
expanded. Therefore, the safety during driving can be improved.
Embodiment 2
[0101] Next, a description is given of an airbag device 40 of
Embodiment 2 with reference to FIGS. 10 through 12. First, a
description is given of an airbag 41 of this embodiment with
reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1
to which the airbag device 40 of Embodiment 2 of the present
invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 10 is a perspective
view showing the airbag 41 of the airbag device 40 in an inflated
and expanded state.
[0103] Further, FIG. 11, is a schematic view showing the cabin 2 of
the vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 40 of Embodiment 2 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 11 is a side
view showing the airbag 41 of the airbag device 40 in the inflated
and expanded state when the cabin 2 is viewed from one side in a
width direction of the vehicle 1.
[0104] This airbag device 40 is the same as that of the above
Embodiment 1 except that a first chamber (head protection chamber)
42 has a greater inflated length extending rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction than a second chamber (chest protection
chamber) 43. Accordingly, the elements corresponding to those of
the above Embodiment 1 are referred to by the same reference
numerals, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the airbag 41 of the airbag
device 40 of this embodiment includes the first chamber 42 and the
second chamber 43. Further, a first extension portion (side
protection chamber) 44a and a second extension portion 44b that are
inflatable and expandable to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction are formed at the opposing edges of the first
chamber 42 in the vehicle width direction.
[0106] It should be noted that although the first extension portion
44a and the second extension portion 44b are formed at the opposing
edges of the first chamber 42 in the vehicle width direction, the
configuration of the airbag 41 of this embodiment is not limited to
this configuration. As in the case of the above Modified Examples 1
and 2 of Embodiment 1, either one of the first extension portion
44a and the second extension portion. 44b may be formed.
[0107] In this embodiment, the first chamber 92 and the second
chamber 43 are formed, to be inflatable and expendable to have
inflated lengths different from each other. More specifically, the
first chamber 42 has a greater projecting length toward the
occupant M than the second chamber 43.
[0108] That is, in the airbag 41 of this embodiment, the first
chamber 42 for protecting the head of the occupant M has a greater
projecting length toward the occupant M than the second chamber 43
for protecting the chest of the occupant M.
[0109] With, regard to use of the seat belt 9, although seat belt
use is mandatory in Japan, it is not mandatory in some other
countries. In the case where the vehicle 1 is used in the
countries. Where seat belt use is not mandatory, there is little
risk of chest compression by the seat belt 9 upon the vehicle 1
being subjected to an impact due to a collision, and therefore head
protection is given priority over chest protection.
[0110] In the airbag 41 of this embodiment, since the first chamber
42 for protecting the head of the occupant M has a greater
projecting length toward the occupant M than the second chamber 43
for protecting the chest of the occupant M, it is possible to
protect the head of the occupant M at an earlier time at the time
of expansion of the airbag 41.
[0111] As described above, since the airbag 41 of this embodiment
can protect the head of the occupant M at an earlier time than the
chest of the occupant M at the time of expansion of the airbag 41,
safety when the vehicle 1 is subjected to an impact can be improved
in the case where the vehicle 1 is used in the countries where the
use of the seat belt 9 is not mandatory.
[0112] Next, a description is given of effects of the airbag 41
produced on the occupant M upon the vehicle 1 to which the airbag
device 40 of this embodiment is applied being subjected to an
impact due to a collision with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a
side view illustrating effects of the airbag 41 produced on the
occupant M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact
according to FIG. 11.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 12, the airbag 41 of this embodiment is
inflated and expanded with a gas supplied from an inflator (not
shown). Then, since the airbag 41 has the first chamber 42 and the
second chamber 43, the first chamber 42 is inflated and expanded to
protect the head, and the second chamber 43 is inflated and
expanded to protect the chest.
[0114] When the first chamber 42 and the second chamber 43 are
inflated and expanded, an inflated length of the first chamber 42
in the vehicle front-rear direction is greater than an inflated
length of the second chamber 43 in the vehicle front-rear
direction.
[0115] Thus, the airbag 41 of this embodiment protects the head of
the occupant M with the first chamber 42 first. Thus, the airbag 41
of this embodiment can provide improved safety when the vehicle 1
is subjected to an impact in the case where the vehicle 1 is used
in the countries where use of the seat belt 9 is not mandatory.
Embodiment 3
[0116] Next, a description is given of an airbag device 50 of
Embodiment 3 with reference to FIGS. 13 through 15. First, a
description is given of an airbag 51 of the airbag device 50 of
this embodiment with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0117] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1
to which the airbag device 50 of Embodiment 3 of the present
invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 13 is a perspective
view showing the airbag 51 of the airbag device 50 in an inflated
and expanded state.
[0118] Further, FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the cabin 2 of
the vehicle 1 to which the airbag device 50 of Embodiment 3 of the
present invention is applied. More specifically, FIG. 14 is a side
view showing the airbag 51 of the airbag device 50 in the inflated
and expanded state when the cabin 2 is viewed from one side in a
width direction of the vehicle 1.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the airbag 51 of this
embodiment includes a first chamber 52 and a second chamber 53.
Further, a first extension portion side protection chamber) 54a and
a second extension portion 54b that are inflatable and expandable
to extend rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction are formed
at the opposing edges of the first chamber 52 in the vehicle width
direction.
[0120] It should be noted that although the first extension portion
54a and the second extension portion 54b are formed at the opposing
edges of the first chamber 52 in the vehicle width direction, the
configuration of the airbag 51 of this embodiment is not limited to
this configuration. As in the case of the above Modified Examples 1
and 2 of Embodiment 1, either one of the first extension portion
54a and the second extension portion 54b may be formed.
[0121] In this embodiment, a third extension portion 55 that is
inflatable and expandable to extend rearward in the vehicle
front-rear direction in a similar manner as the first extension
portion 54a and the second extension portion 54b is formed at an
upper edge of the first chamber 52 in the vehicle vertical
direction.
[0122] This third extension portion 55 is inflatable and expandable
to cover the head of the occupant M. That is, the third extension
portion 55 serves to protect the upper side of the head of the
occupant M. Accordingly, the airbag 51 of this embodiment can
prevent, by the third extension portion 55, the occupant M from
striking the ceiling of the cabin 2 upon the vehicle 1 being
subjected to an impact due
[0123] Further, since the airbag 51 of this embodiment protects the
upper side of the occupant M with the third extension portion 55,
safety in the event of an overturn of the vehicle 1 (so-called
"rollover") upon impact due to a collision of the vehicle 1 can be
improved, for example.
[0124] Next, a description is given of effects of the airbag 51
produced on the occupant M upon the vehicle 1 to which the airbag
device 50 of this embodiment is applied being subjected to an
impact due to a collision with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a
side view illustrating effects of the airbag 51 produced on the
occupant M upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an impact
according to FIG. 14.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 15, the airbag 51 of this embodiment is
inflated and-expanded with a gas supplied from an inflator (not
shown). Then, since the airbag 51 has the first chamber 52 and the
second chamber 53, the first chamber 52 is inflated and expanded to
protect the head, and the second chamber 53 is inflated and
expanded to protect the chest.
[0126] In this embodiment, since the third extension portion 55
that protects the upper side of the head of the occupant M is
formed on an upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the
airbag 51, it is possible to prevent the occupant M from striking
the ceiling of the cabin 2 upon the vehicle 1 being subjected to an
impact due to a collision.
[0127] Further, as described above, since third extension portion
55 of the airbag 51 of this embodiment protects the upper side of
the occupant M, safety in the event of an overturn of the vehicle 1
(so-called "rollover") upon impact due to a collision of the
vehicle 1 can be improved, for example.
* * * * *